Listen to Lawrence…Community Medicaid Update

February 25, 2021
Dear Clients and Friends,
NEWS ALERT!
THANK YOU, COVID! GOOD COVID NEWS (SORTA):
POSTPONEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY MEDICAID LOOK-BACK
I have some new legal news that I wanted to get to you right away. Through my contacts at the New York State Bar Association, I have learned that the implementation of the 2 ½ year look-back for Community Medicaid (home care and other services outside a nursing home) will be moved from April 1st to at least July 1st, 2021.  I say at least because I have also been INFORMALLY advised that the postponement may be pushed back into sometime in 2022. Woo Hoo!
What’s going on? The 2 ½ year look-back was supposed to be implemented on October 1st, but the federal government told the states that, while we are in a declared state of emergency due to Covid 19, the states cannot implement any new Medicaid laws that would make things harder for people.
What does this mean for some of you? It means that if you, or someone you know, needs the help of aides in the home, there will be no look-back for transfers made to become eligible for Medicaid between now and when they ultimately implement the law, probably sometime next year. However, to be on the safe side, if help is needed, apply sooner than later and before July 1st if appropriate.
This is great news and a great opportunity for many.
I hope this helps! Please forward this information to your friends and relatives to share these informative answers to some very commonly asked questions.
And, if anyone you know would like to receive this eblast newsletter, just have them email me at info@davidowlaw.com and I’ll add them to the list!
As always, please send me your questions. If you are thinking about it, others are probably too, so my answers will no doubt help you and many others.
Let’s stay connected.
LISTEN TO LAWRENCE
Stay safe!